Orlando Airport parking can be quite challenging if you don’t plan ahead. Serving over 57 million passengers every year, the Orlando International Airport is the busiest in the state of Florida and one of the busiest in the country. In other words, it’s important to know certain tips and tricks if you want to save on airport parking.
Given the distance, taking a Lyft/Uber or asking friends or family to drop you off/pick you up at the airport are options to consider. While being dropped off curbside in Orlando is convenient, it is not cheap, particularly if surge pricing is in effect. We’ve compiled a list of the options available for Orlando Airport long-term and short-term parking so that finding parking becomes simple for you.
Where to park at Orlando Airport
There are several official Orlando Airport parking spots available, inclduing long-term, short-term, and valet parking. These are spread across the five official MCO parking garages – Economy Parking (North Park Place, South Park Place, and West Park Place), Parking Garages (A, B, C, and Terminal Top Parking), Valet Parking (A, B, and C), Surface Lots (Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavour), and Hotel Guest Parking (Self and Valet). Your choice will depend on whether you’re heading out of Orlando for a long period or just a few hours. Here are 3 simple ways to save money on Orlando Airport parking.
1. Book as early as possible
The most straightforward and effective method for finding cheap parking at Orlando International Airport is early reservation. MCO parking spots will be in high demand during peak travel hours, simultaneously spiking the parking rates. As a result, parking at Orlando Airport tends to get costlier during holidays and other high-demand periods. If your travel plans require you to leave Orlando for several days, reserve your Orlando Airport parking spot at the same time you book your flight tickets. You’ll not only have a better chance of finding the perfect MCO parking spot, but you’ll also have a better chance of snagging an early bird bid or advance booking discount.
2. Offsite parking is always cheaper
If you want to park at Orlando Airport, you should be prepared to spend a lot more. Parking at Orlando Airport is significantly more expensive than parking outside the airport. A day’s parking at the Parking Garages costs $24. Even the North Park Place Economy Lot and South Park Place Economy Lot will set you back $14 a day, and you’ll still have to take a shuttle to your terminal! Most offsite parking lots offer cheaper Orlando Airport long-term parking rates (starting at $2.99 if you book with Way.com) as well as free shuttle service to and from the airport. Furthermore, offsite parking lots are less congested and offer more safety amenities. Even valet parking is less expensive at offsite MCO lots. The majority of offsite Orlando airport long-term parking lots include gated parking, 24/7 surveillance, and other safety features.
3. Reserve a spot in an Orlando airport hotel parking lot
You can save money on MCO parking by booking a room at any of the Orlando Airport hotels. Even if you aren’t staying at one of the many hotels near Orlando International Airport, you can park there for the duration of your trip, even if you don’t have a reservation. Hotel parking lots are well-kept and safe, and there are free shuttle services to and from Orlando International Airport. At some hotels, parking can be purchased in combination with a hotel stay. This is extremely useful if you live a long distance from the airport and need to board a flight at late night or early morning. On the Way.com website and the Way app, you’ll find several Orlando Airport hotel parking options.
To recap, each form of airport parking in Orlando has benefits and drawbacks. Some are close to Orlando International Airport, while others provide cheap parking. Some are ideal if you only need to park for a few hours, but they can be costly if you require parking for an extended period of time. However, if you book early online, are familiar with all of the Orlando Airport long-term and short-term parking options, and know where to look for discounts, you should have no trouble finding the ideal MCO parking spot.